Where Will You Stand on the "Tolerance" Issue?

Tolerance is a relatively new concept to most people these days but it continues to be such a hot button subject. Even though it is being taught widely all across our school systems, civil rights groups, and large corporations, no one seems to ever agree on what exactly it is. The majority may think that it is just a harmless program to stop kids from bullying and to be kind to one another, that is so wrong. Many of these programs are in fact teaching our children, from a very young age that homosexuality, transgender, and bisexual lifestyle choices are simple not wrong. Large corporations are making their supervisors and employees take hours of "Ethics Classes" to understand why two women living together can share their corporate healthplan, but a man and a women in the same situation can't. The definition of tolerance is at best subjective, it can mean different things to different people, but the dictionary defines it as

“(1) A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry…(3) Interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one’s own; a liberal, undogmatic viewpoint” (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).

Our children are being taught that it is just fine to be homosexual, bisexual, even transgender, and that they must accept that lifestyle as common and that it cannot be helped. This is so far from biblical principles that I believe this program of "tolerance", disguised as something to teach "love,acceptance, and kindness", is really a ploy from the Devil to get to our children. The bible is very clear what will ultimately happen to the people that practice this lifestyle.

 Leviticus 20:13 "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them"

Because of this verse, and the others that defy this "tolerance movement" the church is labeled "intolerant". The Godly people left in this world that aren't afraid to take a stand against whatever is unbiblical in the world, can now face the threat of even losing their careers for such belief. Why? Because in this society everything is deemed "acceptable" and we are urged to stand in the middle of issues, never taking a firm stance for fear of someone disagreeing with us. Look at our own President for example, do the American people even know where he really stands on the important issues? No. Why ou ask? Because he is more concerned with his repuation and "likability polls" to take a stand on one side or the other. The fear of losing the vote of one side is too much for the leader of the free world to stand up for what he really believes in.

But, should be let our children fall into this trap, or do we decide to take a stand, realize our ideas won't be popular or even accepted widely, and teach our children what the bible says about these issues? Remember that when this "tolerance movement" was first starting out, it was not popular at all. But, the people that believed in it kept pushing and teaching their agenda so hard, that now it is being taught more wide spread then ever before. If we dont teach our children what we believe, someone else will. So what are you going to allow them to learn? That the "tolerance" policys are right? Or are you going to take a stand for what the bible says, no matter how unpopular your ideas will be, and teach your children to grow up being obedient to the word of God?

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm"

Now, it is obvious that I am taking a stand against teaching our children that a homosexual lifestyle is acceptable. But, do I believe we should also teach them to attack these people that practice it? Absolutely not! It is never okay to attack, judge, or condem someone else for their way of living. The bible says we are to pray for those that wrong us. Help the sinners come to the Lord. No one is free of sin, we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are all humans, and we are all subject to sin, no one is better than the other in this area.

Acts 10:28 "And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean"

Christ came for the sinner, he said so himself. He has always and will always receive the sinners, but he will not condone or "approve of" the sin! We, as Christians should always look for the oppurtunity to bring everyone and anyone to the Lord, but we can't do that when we are too busy considering them "unclean" and judging them. Speaking of judging, the bible states this,

"Judge not, that you not be judged"Matthew 7:1

While its true that the job of judging should be left up to the Lord and only him, this does not mean that you should not have opinions and render decisions about certain actions. Looking at the Greek word as used in this verse, we learn that this kind of judging means condemning. We, as human beings, are never in a position to condemn anyone. We are to love them and teach of Christs love all the same.

Anyone can be saved. We do not know how far God has brought any person besides ourselves. While I will adamently disagree with teaching our children the concept of "tolerance" I will never agree with being mean, hurtful, or attacking another human being. That is not Christ-like at all. I urge you as parents, or even as children yourselves reading this to be prepared to take a stand, don't just stand in the middle and think that one opinion doesn't matter. It does. Your childrens souls are going to go to one place or the other, and it is your job to make sure they know the right path to go down. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....and so will your children.

1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect"